Spring Budget: Wales — [Mr Philip Hollobone in the Chair]

Mr Ben Lake criticised the spring Budget for not going far enough in addressing rising energy costs and supporting off-grid households. He highlighted that small businesses were left without additional support, with 74% of properties in his constituency disconnected from mains gas grids. He called for a further round of the alternative fuel payment to assist these households and urged the government to consider extending the energy bills discount scheme or require energy companies to renegotiate contracts early. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of fibre-to-the-home technology and Project Gigabit funding to improve digital connectivity in rural areas, advocating for faster roll-out of gigabit broadband.

Noted that Wales receives substantially less funding through the levelling-up fund compared to EU membership, citing evidence from the Welsh Government which shows a £1.1 billion shortfall. Ms Winter criticised the UK Government for failing to address Wales's cost-of-living crisis and underfunding public services. She highlighted research showing people in her constituency going without food and unable to pay bills, noting that wages are lower than 13 years ago and local government services continue to be cut. Ms Winter also mentioned a £155 million deduction from the Welsh reserve fund, calling it 'theft', and criticised the levelling-up fund for not reaching Wales's valleys. She expressed concern about job losses in universities due to EU structural funds ending, and the lack of support for former mineworkers and their families. Asked for a categorical assurance that the £71 million bridging fund will be provided in time to save over 1,000 jobs at risk in Wales's higher education sector.

Ms Rees highlighted the inadequacy of local housing allowance and universal credit, noting that in Neath, no properties fully covered by LHA were available without additional qualifications. She called for an 'essentials guarantee' to ensure people can afford basic essentials, citing research showing 90% of households on universal credit are going without essentials.

The OBR report suggests a stagnating economy with UK growth projected at 1.75% by 2028, likely even lower in Wales due to low business investment and productivity. The hard Brexit policy exacerbates the situation, projecting long-term productivity 4% lower than pre-Brexit EU frameworks. Inflation is expected to cause real household disposable income to fall 2.6% this year, following a decline of 2.5% last year, impacting living standards significantly in Wales.

Asked if there is a discrepancy in how unspent UK Department funds are handled compared to Welsh Departments, suggesting that under rational devolution settlement, unused funds should remain within Wales. Concerned about a constituent facing a £150 monthly rent increase, as local housing allowance is set at 25% of private rents. Suggested raising the allowance to 30% by Westminster to support people in private rental arrangements. Expressed concerns about Welsh universities facing job cuts and research project closures due to the end of European structural funds, asked the Minister if a £71 million bridging fund would be provided. There is a risk that we keep repeating ourselves, but there is a reason for us to do so. In Scotland, the Crown Estate 12 miles out to sea is devolved to Scotland, so that policy can be made in relation to it and the profits that arise from the Crown Estate remain in Scotland. Why, if it is good enough for Scotland, is it not good enough for Wales? There are proposals for a national medical isotope centre at Trawsfynydd known as Project ARTHUR. The Minister was asked about discussions with the Welsh Government to bring this forward due to concerns over shortages in medical isotopes.

Responded to a point about the £155 million, criticising the Welsh Government for mismanaging funds allocated during the pandemic peak and describing their handling as scathing. Asked the hon. Lady how she would respond to local authorities across Wales, especially Labour councils, sitting on large reserves without investing in necessary priorities despite current difficulties.

Agreed with a point about growth strategy needing to include a vibrant steel industry and criticised UK Government for not providing necessary support, proposing Labour's £3 billion clean steel fund.

Prynhawn da. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone, in this important debate... The Budget was overwhelmingly positive for nuclear in the UK: there was the launch of Great British Nuclear, and the labelling of nuclear as environmentally sustainable in the green taxonomy.

Noted the Bevan Foundation report which showed that it is primarily the poorest people, elderly, disabled and those renting socially who are suffering most from the cost of living crisis. Welcomed the Government's announcement on Great British Nuclear but questioned if it is certain, asking for a specific date when nuclear power at Wylfa will be given approval. There is a direct correlation between low income and poor health, which creates enormous pressure on the health service. My hon. Friend shares concern that local authorities might be unable to spend allocated moneys, leading to a potential clawback by the Government. Asked if the new arrangements will benefit not just doctors, but also wealthy individuals.